In many fields the software industry has taken on an entirely different shape as compared to the time it was introduced by companies such as Microsoft. It was launched as a packaged product. In the beginning, Windows operating system literally was packaged in a box. As software has constructed on top of these operating systems and developed and evolved, they’ve become services, which is the reason for the current term SaaS (Software as an Service). Although, despite the newly created term, it’s generally viewed as a product that is packaged in the perspective of the company that is providing it. This results in a gap between the purpose of the product and the benefits that customers is able to get from it. In today’s world of software-based services it is the duty of the software company to meet the requirements of their product and provide services. This involves assisting the client in times of need and listening to their feedback and aiding them in getting the most value from software in its context for their own usage.
For a client isn’t always easy to be aware of which businesses offer full-service service, and which aren’t. To aid in this it is helpful to redefine the search for a new software and transform it into a hunt for new software partnerships with specialist companies. As a result, the user will have the most satisfying experience when they collaborate with a trusted partner, instead of submitting an inquiry about a product that does not work as it should. This article will examine the advantages of establishing a relationship with an software company and provide certain methods to determine the kind of partnership between a software provider and a customer which will yield the best quality of service.
Benefits of Partnerships
Better ROI than purchasing packaged software products
Design future features you’ll need and want to incorporate into your company (this is particularly important when you decide to collaborate with a start-up firm)
Team members from the extended team will collaborate in problem-solving
Affirmed incentives for successful software (this is particularly the case when the software is purchased by subscription)
Feel at ease knowing that the software company is there to take care of your needs in the long-term
Get together to promote each other’s work through shared channels and platforms
The process of forming a truly collaborative partnership is much more than just a simple
transaction. It’s a rewarding experience that could yield amazing results , and also help you discover new areas for improvement over a long amount of time.
The question is what should you do in the direction of establishing a partnership for your company? Let’s look at the following indicators that suggest the software provider is a possible partner that is worth working for the long-term.
Before we get deep into these, it’s important to note that they may differ slightly based on the business. These are designed to be an ideal partnership between construction firms and companies that deal in construction technology, however, they will be applicable to all sectors.
What is the key to a solid software Partner?
1. Always available to help
If you buy a brand new product, there’s always going to be some issues and quirks you didn’t think of. The nature of the majority of software, especially in the construction phase, is complicated that makes it difficult to understand at first. This could be because of the lengthy learning curve or it could be due to a glitch in it’s own software. Whatever the issue is, it is important to know that the software company will help you solve the issue. This isn’t always the case however it is. If you buy a packaged item from a vendor of software by making a single payment, most likely, they’ll be less likely to assist you in the process. The vendor is already moving into the next step of trying to make the next purchase.
2. Proactive
If you buy software and it seems to be a little off, maybe it’s one of the features that isn’t working effectively. In a genuine partnership your company’s software must be proactive and contacting you to inquire about whether to see if things are functioning. The company shouldn’t just respond to requests , but instead be proactive and monitor your. Ideally, all possible requests are discussed and processed by the software company before you have to inform them. This is the basis of a productive and efficient collaboration.
3. Develop and evolve with you
If you are in a long-term relationship, you should anticipate the possibility of growth over time and new opportunities awaiting you. Contrary to that relationship-based relationships offer solutions (hopefully) which has been advertised , and that’s the point at which it comes to an end.
A partner in software technology is always keeping an eye for the future. They’ll always be looking for ways to improve the quality of their service and how it can improve your relationship. Whatever venture you embark undertaking together it’s a joint venture and the achievement of the project is a win for both parties to the partnership. If your tech company adopts this stance, you can anticipate an ongoing and productive partnership that will yield many successes that are shared.
4. Excites your Workforce
The primary motive for implementing an innovative piece of technology is to address a kind of business issue. You shouldn’t invest in software for the sole reason of having the latest and greatest technology in your office. Certain companies may however, if you’re in the construction industry , you realize that this isn’t the situation. No matter what kind of solution the technology can provide the technology must be designed for the end-user. In this instance, it’s your employees. They should be enthusiastic about technology and ease their lives. This can be the only method by which to will solve the problem you had initially. Good software companies who are committed to the long haul understand this and have developed their products specifically for the workforce. The company will also provide assistance with onboarding and focus on the customer’s success to ensure that the technology meets your requirements and can be used by your employees.
5. Trust & Transparency
A majority of businesses modify their value proposition to satisfy the requirements of their potential customers in order to sell. Good software providers will be transparent about the problems they are able to or cannot solve. You will be able to get an instant assessment of whether it’s the best technology for your company. After that is established the software company must prove that it cares about your privacy, your details, and most importantly, the values you hold. If these are not aligned, your relationship could quickly degrade into an empty shell.
Transparency and trust must be evident throughout the life in the collaboration. If the software company commits an error, which usually occurs at certain points, it offers the perfect opportunity to assess whether you’re in a positive relationship. If you evaluate the situation in a similar way to a normal social encounter You will determine whether the company attempts to put blame on others or if they accept on the responsibility and begin to pinpoint the cause of the error. The takeaway here is that the business partnership is similar to a relationship with a friend. It’s not as difficult to understand. If the foundations are in place you’ll enjoy a wonderful and successful relationship.
Finally
Some of these features are hard to recognize until you’ve formed the process of forming a partnership. In this phase it is advised to make use of a company’s pilot offer. The majority of companies will provide this at no cost so that you can try the software yourself. If a company doesn’t provide this service is generally one to avoid. In a pilot program it is possible to use these guidelines to determine whether the company is a good partner , or be aware of if they’re just trying to make the sale.
To truly reap all the advantages mentioned above, you should look towards companies with a younger age. They are more responsive, quick to respond the needs of their customers, and generally provide an experience that is more personal as opposed to a large and established company. You’ll be able to influence the direction of the business and develop with them to build a an extremely successful and profitable future.